Retreat Leaders

Vicki Fink is an ELCA pastor and spiritual director. She has served congregations for over 12 years and studied Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry at the Norbertine Abbey in De Pere, WI.  

Dave Fink, MSW, works as director of Employee Health and Performance for a major corporation. Dave is an ECSW Lay School graduate.

Guest Pastors /Speakers share their gifts by offering talks, leading worship and contributing to the gift of community that takes shape at meals and in small groups.

Previous Guest Pastors

Pastor Karen Jewellserves St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI. She has been an ELCA pastor for 15 years serving at St. John in Ashwaubenon previous to moving to Oshkosh. Among the things she loves about ministry are retreat times when people can come together to learn and grow nearer to God. 
 
Pastor Poala Bennechi serves a mission church in Menasha, WI, called the Family Church. Poala has been involved in several other innovative ministries during her time in the US. She was born in Italy, and she and her family visit there regularly. Pastor Bennechi's personal practice of taking time apart helps her balance her roles as pastor, wife and mother of four.

Pastor Dave Lyle serves First English Lutheran Church in Appleton WI. He is a graduate of William and Mary and Luther Seminary. Pastor Dave had his start in ministry as a camp counselor and enjoys leading mission trips along with the other pastoral duties of teaching and preaching.

Pastor Ted Gulhaugen serves Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Pastor Ted has been leading a Discipleship Group in his congregation. The group shares challenges and joys of living their faith in everyday life. 

Pastor Kurt Kovanen serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI with his wife, Pastor Mary Beth Kovanen. They have two active teenage children. Kurt brings a deep sense of caring to his ministry.

Pastor Nathan Gauerke serves Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma, WI. He offered his gifts at a retreat not long before he began a professional sabbatical. Nate is aware of the importance of time apart for renewal and works to practice sabbath in a variety of ways.